Saban isn't shy about hiring former head coaches as analysts. He tapped Steve Sarkisian and Mike Locksley for such roles. Both Sarkisian and Locksley ascended to become Saban's offensive coordinator, though Sarkisian's stint in that role was short-lived.

Jones was fired on Nov. 12 amid his fifth season coaching the Vols. He went 34-27 during his tenure. That included an 0-5 record against Alabama.

Tennessee owed Jones a buyout of $8.26 million when it fired him, due in monthly installments throughout the duration of his contract, which was set to expire on Feb. 28, 2021. His contract requires him to try to find a new job to mitigate the buyout.